MUMBAI: The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, India’s premiere arts and culture institution presents the premiere of the much-awaited mono-act musical play ‘Soordas’ by renowned singer, music composer, lyricist and actor Shekhar Sen on 14 June 2013 at the Tata Theatre; 6.30 pm.
Shekhar Sen, a music composer, lyricist and actor is internationally known for his unique mono-act musical plays. His previous plays include the hugely successful ‘Kabeer’, 'Tulsi', 'Vivekanand', 'Sanmati' & 'Saahab'. 'Soordas', is a tale of the legendary blind poet who was said to have composed more than 10000 bhajans in the praise of Lord Krishna. Soordas (1478-1581) is regarded as the foremost among the eight disciples (Ashta-chhap) of Vallabhacharya, a proponent of the Shuddhadvaita school of Vaishnavism, also known as Pushtimarg. During his life, Soordas witnessed the darkest period of religious fanaticism and countered it by spreading love with his lyrical compositions. His poems on the 'bal leela' of Krishna are immortal treasures of our devotional heritage.
In this presentation, he reveals the life, works and philosophy of the blind saint poet musician who went on to write Sur Sagar, a vast collection of compositions dedicated to Krishna.
The play covers 105 years of the saint’s life, touching very interesting tales of becoming the lead figure of Ashta-chhap poets, meeting with Swami Haridas, Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, Tulsidas, Meerabai, Akbar and Tansen.
This two hour long play will have 36 melodious song sequences with a mix of common & rare ragas and is being presented in association with Sahachari Foundation.
NCPA musicologist and head–programming (Indian Music) Dr Suvarnalata Rao says, “Shekhar is a remarkable actor, lyricist, music composer, highly creative and innovative in his presentation of monoact plays and we at the NCPA are delighted to have him present his new work for our audiences. His previous plays have received a thumping response from the audiences and we are sure he will create the same magic on stage this time around as well.”
Be the first one to experience divinity in this musical extravaganza only at the NCPA.